Zereshk Polo

Ingredients

• Water - 4 cups
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - To taste
• Butter - 4 tablespoons
• Saffron - 1/2 teaspoon
• Barberries - 1 cup
• Basmati rice - 2 cups

Instructions

1. Wash the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, soak the saffron in 2 tablespoons of hot water.
3. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the rice is parboiled. Drain the rice and rinse with cold water.
4. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the barberries, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the barberries are soft.
5. Add the saffron and its soaking water to the pot with the barberries. Stir to combine.
6. Add the parboiled rice to the pot with the barberries. Stir to combine.
7. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
8. Serve hot as a side dish.